Isiah Thomas Backs Out of Knicks Deal

*FIU basketball coach Isiah Thomas’ second stint with the New York Knicks is now over before it could even take off.

Thomas announced in a written statement Wednesday that he called off the deal to be a Knicks consultant, a newly created position that he planned to hold while simultaneously leading the Golden Panthers’ program — a move widely criticized as a conflict of interest.

“After speaking with Commissioner [David] Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws,” Thomas said in a statement. “Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team.”

The bylaws in question apparently included the rule prohibiting college coaches from having jobs with NBA teams. The league was set to make a ruling on the deal as soon as Wednesday, but Thomas rescinded his acceptance first.

Stern said late Wednesday that with Thomas’ resignation, the league does not need to take formal action into the matter.

“However, we have reminded the Knicks of NBA rules that prohibit team personnel, including consultants, from having contact with players not eligible for the draft,” Stern said.

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